Learning
The development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. At Vaucluse Public School our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for the curriculum for Kindergarten through to Year 12 for all NSW schools.
For primary schools, NESA develops syllabuses for all subjects in 6 key learning areas:
- Creative Arts
- English
- Human Society & its Environment (HSIE)
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Science & Technology
At Vaucluse Public School we offer Spanish language learning as a part of our co-curricular syllabus. We have the capacity to offer Hebrew as a community language learning opportunity.
NSW schools also offer special religious education and special education in ethics via approved providers. Here at VPS we provide time in class for education in ethics, faith and morality from a religious or non-religious perspective at the choice of parents. The SRE options on offer at VPS include:
- Anglican
- Jewish
- Catholic
- Ethics Education
- Non-Scripture
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
Strong Foundations
We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.
High-Quality Education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Inclusive & Personalised Learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension Opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
What Students Learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW Curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
There are 6 stages of learning from Kindergarten to Year 12. Primary school covers:
- Stage 1 includes Kindergarten to Year 2 (Kindergarten is referred to as Early Stage 1)
- Stage 2 includes Years 3 & 4
- Stage 3 includes Years 5 & 6.
English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
In Human Society & its Environment (HSIE), the subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10, where students study specific historical and geographical concepts and skills.
In HSIE, students explore varied subjects in human society and its environment to learn about history, geography, people, societies and culture.
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- Research, gather and analyse information
- Question and make judgements
- Write for a variety of purposes
The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically - developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
The syllabus consists of the following strands:
- Number and algebra
- Measurement and geometry
- Statistics and probability
Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week in Kindergarten to Year 6.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others - now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skills and confidence.
Science & Technology is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
In Science & Technology, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific and technological skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts.
Science provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real world problems. The inquiry and skill-based nature of science opens doors to ideas and discoveries.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form (if available at our school).
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.
We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.
Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
To learn more about the NSW curriculum visit:
- NSW Department of Education - Key Learning Areas
- NESA's Parent Guide - Schooling in NSW. This provides information about key learning stages, key learning areas and syllabuses
- NSW Department of Education Policy - Curriculum Planning and Programming, Assessing and Reporting to Parents K - 12.
Our Approach to Learning
At Vaucluse Public School we have a clear and simple approach to both teaching and learning. We tell students exactly what they are learning, why it matters, and show them how to do it step-by-step. This helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centered, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access, and support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies and take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with the best teaching practices.
Our learning approach includes:
- Real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- Technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- Flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- Community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Cross curriculum content enriches and supports the learning areas and adds depth to student learning. In NSW students study a range of learning across the curriculum content.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
- Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia
- Sustainability
- Critical and creative thinking
- Ethical understanding
- Information and communication technology capability
- Intercultural understanding
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Personal and social capability
- Civics and citizenship
- Difference and diversity
- Work and enterprise.
© NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2012
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Want to know more about our subjects and approach to learning?
We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.
Student Opportunities & Activities
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Our Principal & Staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.